If you earned income from rideshare, delivery, freelancing, or other gig work, you’re running a small business. That means more deductions—but also more responsibility.

1) Understand your 1099 forms

Most platforms issue 1099‑NEC or 1099‑K. The IRS receives copies too, so report everything—even if a form didn’t arrive.

2) Track mileage and expenses

These are common, legitimate deductions:

• Business mileage
• Phone and data used for work
• Supplies, equipment, and platform fees
• Home office (if you qualify)

3) Plan for self‑employment tax

You’re responsible for both the employee and employer portion of Social Security and Medicare. This is why quarterly estimates matter.

4) Pay estimated taxes on time

If you expect to owe $1,000 or more, make quarterly payments to avoid penalties. We can help calculate safe estimates in Small Business & SE Taxes.

5) Keep clean records

Use a simple tracking system and save receipts. Better records mean lower taxable income and fewer IRS issues.

Need help organizing your gig income?

We’ll review your income streams, clean up records, and maximize deductions. Start at Bookkeeping & Year‑Round Support or Contact Practical Tax.